Liriope Root Rot

May 28, 2013 | By webadmin

 Liriope, also known as “monkey grass”, is one of those tough-as-nails plants that you almost can’t get rid of even if you want to. But every plant has a weakness now and then and can become susceptible to pest and disease under the right conditions.

Last year, we started to see emergence of a fungal disease on Liriope called Liriope Root or Crown Rot, Phytophthora palmivora. Plants with this disease will be a yellow color and appear water-soaked and rotted at the base. Near the base the leaves will turn a chocolate-brown. Early in the spread of the disease, the leaves will turn a pale green or pale yellow. As the disease progresses, the brighter yellow color emerges and moves upwards. Affected leaves in the advanced stage of the disease will pull away easily from the crown.  

Control options for this disease are limited, and so early identification is important.  If caught early, we’ve had success slowing it’s spread with fungicide applications. If plants are in further stages of decline, we will remove them and also remove additional soil from around the root zone.  Because the spores can remain dormant in the soil it is important to remove additional soil and treat replacement plants with a preventative fungicide. Organic fungicides and soil acidifiers can also be used to suppress the disease.

Again, early detection is key, so if you notice any of these symptoms in your Liriope give us a call right away. Our maintenance team can recommend options for treatment. Call us at 214-824-7036 or CONTACT US online.